Don't look now, but Halloween has come a long way from the trick-or-treating, toilet-papering days of our youth. It's now the second-biggest adult holiday of the year, arguably eclipsing New Year's Eve in terms of bacchanalia. The costumes have grown more conceptual and outrageous, the nightclub parties more ostentatious. (Click here for a last-minute costume guide). And for 2008, Oct. 31 falls on a Friday, creating possibly the biggest H-ween of all time.
Thursday
Fearless Filmmakers: 'Horror House'
Any fan of micro-budget horror-comedy should check out the premiere of "Horror House," presented by Fearless Filmmakers at Oak Street Cinema. The Minnesota-made movie has a plot that sounds not unlike nearly every horror movie since "Scream," in particular "Scream 3," "Vacancy" and the recent satire "Baghead." Director Chad Martin (his second feature film) described the movie-within-a-movie premise: A group of aspiring actors are lured into shooting a horror movie by a director who is actually making his own snuff film. "We want people to feel creeped out, but there is also a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor as well," says Martin. Actor/writer/editor/producer Justen Overlander calls "Horror House" more of a thriller than a straight-up horror movie. "Don't expect any Eli Roth-style gore or scares," he says. (9 p.m. Thu.)
- Erik McClanahan
Friday
First Avenue's Halloween party and costume contest
Anyone in lingerie with animal ears or sheets with eye holes need not enter: First Ave's annual Halloween bash is not for amateurs. Put some creativity into your disguise and prepare for the competitive costume contest worth more than $1,000 in cash prizes, including the prize for "most inappropriate" costume. Last year's winners perfectly complemented the '80s theme as a troop of Ghostbusters who looked fresh off the movie set. While this year's theme had not been released (something political seems unavoidable), there is promise of a professionally choreographed dance number. Ian Rans of "Drinking With Ian" hosts, and DJ Soviet Panda will spin throughout the night. Revelers also get access to the VIP Room's "Holla'ween" party with DJ Verbx and the 7th Street Entry's "Monster Mash," featuring '50s and '60s dance hits from DJs King Otto and Mike the 2600 King. (8 p.m. Fri.)
- Amber Schadewald
Ground Zero's Halloween Masquerade Ball XV
If you've never been to Ground Zero, its yearly Halloween bash is a good time to start; if you're a regular, you already go every year. The cover charge is steep, but there's always a line down the block. The huge warehouse-style space is canvassed in black, and the nooks and crannies and booths are perfect for slipping some salacious ghoul or vamp the tongue (or, hey, take it to the dance floor, everyone's an extrovert here). The witchiest club in town could not be a more perfect place to celebrate All Hallow's Eve.
- Sarah Moeding
Tonight We Abide: The Big Lebowski Party
In homage to cult flick "The Big Lebowski" (and the Coen brothers' current production in Minnesota), Bryant-Lake Bowl is throwing one of the most specifically themed Halloween parties this year, with a screening of the film in the BLB theater, a Lebowski-themed costume contest, and yes, a bowling contest. Grab your bathrobe, flip flops, bowling ball and Lebowski-loving friends and register your team at www.bryantlakebowl.com (costumes required). Don't forget to order a White Russian. (8 p.m. Fri.)
